What we tasted in March 2024

In March we welcomed back Dan Ruell of Mentzendorff who presented a range of fantastic new world wines from their portfolio.

If you wish to purchase wines, please email the Treasurer.

For more information:
Web: mentzendorff.co.uk

The wines tasted were:

  1. Klein Constantia Cap Classique Chardonnay 2019
  2. The Crossings Wild Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2020
  3. Klein Constantia Perdeblokke Sauvignon Blanc 2018
  4. Akitu Blanc Pinot Noir 2022
  5. Akitu A2 Pinot Noir 2019
  6. Kilikanoon The Duke Grenache 2016
  7. Kilikanoon The Oracle Shiraz 2016
  8. Kilikanoon Attunga 1865 Shiraz 2013
  9. Klein Constantia Vin de Constance Muscat de Frontignan 2019

Next tasting – Friday 8th March

In March we welcome the return of Mentzendorff who will be presenting a range of wines from their portfolio.

For more information:
Web: mentzendorff.co.uk

Note that Members are required to confirm attendance at the next tasting and paying the tasting fee in advance. It will not be possible for guests to attend or for members to simply turn up on the night owing to space limitations.

What we tasted in April 2023

In April we welcomed Dan Ruell of Mentzendorff who presented an excellent range of wines from their portfolio. We all enjoyed a very entertaining presentation of some quality wines.

For more information:
Web: mentzendorff.co.uk

  1. Ayala Brut Nature NV, France
  2. Ayala Le Blanc de Blancs 2016, France
  3. Tapanappa Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay, Picadilly Valley 2020, Australia
  4. Ciacci Rosso di Montalcino Rossofonte, Italy
  5. Tapanappa Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, Fleurieu Peninsula 2021, Australia
  6. Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard2017, Australia
  7. Turkey Flat Shiraz 2018, Australia
  8. Langlois-Chateau, Coteaux de Saumur Les Beaugrands 2020, France

Next tasting – 14th April

In April we welcome the return of Mentzendorff who will be presenting a range of wines from their portfolio.

For more information:
Web: mentzendorff.co.uk

Note that Members are required to confirm attendance at the next tasting and paying the tasting fee in advance. It will not be possible for guests to attend or for members to simply turn up on the night owing to space limitations.

What we tasted in January 2022

In January we presented an interesting range of new wines from the Mentzendorff portfolio, and we thank Iain Phillips for his assistance in arranging the wines. We thank Robert McKinley, John Freeland & John Malpass for presenting the wines. 

For more information:
Web: mentzendorff.co.uk/producers/hambledon-vineyards
Web: www.mentzendorff.co.uk/producers/cartuxa
Web: mentzendorff.co.uk/producers/chateau-la-fleur-de-bouard

The following wines were tasted:

  1. Hambledon Classic Cuvee NV, English Sparkling Wine
  2. Geno Branco, Fundação Eugénio de Almeida, Alentejo 2020
  3. Cartuxa Foral de Evora Branco DOC Alentejo-Evora 2019
  4. Cartuxa Colheita Branco 2016, DOC Alentejo-Evora 2019
  5. Geno Tinto, Fundação Eugénio de Almeida, Alentejo 2019
  6. Cartuxa Foral de Evora Tinto, DOC Alentejo-Evora 2018
  7. Cartuxa Colheita Reserva Tinto, DOC Alentejo-Evora 2016
  8. Chateau La Fleur de Board, Lalande de Pomerol 2011

Next tasting – Friday 14th January

In January we hope to be hosting a members tasting with wines provided by Mentzendorff.


Please note:

  • The tasting will only be held if allowed under the COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time.
  • The number of attendees will be restricted, so please sign up early to avoid disappointment. 
  • New members are welcome on payment of the £15 annual subscription in advance of the tasting along with the tasting fee.
  • There will be no supper nor supper wines provided. Members are welcome to bring their own food and implements and all items brought must be removed.
  • Members are expected to have been fully vaccinated, please consider whether you should attend if this is not the case.
  • Members must not attend if they are experiencing COVID symptoms
  • The meeting room will have increased ventilation via opened doors and windows
  • Members are asked to wear face masks when not seated unless exempt
  • Surfaces will be sanitised before entry. Members are asked to use the hand sanitizer provided on entry
  • Members are asked to avoid crowding on check-in and on exit
  • Spittoons will not be provided, please bring an empty plastic bottle if you need one

Note that this is a “Members Only” which must be paid for in advance. Unfortunately, it is not possible for members to simply turn up on the night.

Next tasting – Friday 8th January

In January Mentzendorff will be hosting a tasting of Rhone/ Mediterranean wines from Jean-Luc Colombo, one of France’s most talented and creative winemakers based in Cornas. Jean-Luc is the star Rhone producer in the Mentzendorff portfolio, crafting first-class wines from the Northern Rhone Valley and Southern France. We are grateful to Mentzendorff for making this tasting possible. The event will be hosted by Jean-Luc’s daughter, Laure, who is Vineyard Manager and Winemaker working alongside her father.

For more information:
Web: vinscolombo.fr/en/
Web: mentzendorff.co.uk/producers/jean-luc-colombo

Note: This tasting will be presented via Zoom. Members are contacted prior to each tasting to order any wines they wish to try. 

What we tasted in January 2020

Many thanks to Claudia Balestracci of Mentzendorff for presenting a range of Italian wines from producers Fertuna, Ceretto and Ciacci Piccolomini D’Aragona.

More information is available here:
Web: mentzendorff.co.uk

  1. Ceretto Lange DOC Arneis 2018 Blangé
  2. Tenuta Fertuna Droppello IGT Toscana Branco 2018
  3. Ceretto Barbaresco DOCG 2016
  4. Ceretto Barolo DOCG 2014
  5. Ciacci Piccolomini D’Aragona IGT Toscana Rosso 2016
  6. Ciacci Piccolomini D’Aragona Ateo Sant’Antimo DOC 2016
  7. Ciacci Piccolomini D’Aragona Rosso di Montalcino DOC 2015
  8. Ciacci Piccolomini D’Aragona Brunello Di Montalcino DOCG 2014

Next tasting – Friday 10th January

In January we welcome Claudia Balestracci of Mentzendorff presenting wines from their extensive portfolio, from Italy.

More information is available here:
Web: mentzendorff.co.uk

Note that Members are contacted by a member of the Committee each month to commit to attendance at the tasting. Unfortunately, it is not possible for members or guests to simply turn up on the night owing to space limitations and the need to arrange catering in advance.

Next tasting – Friday 8th February

In February we welcome back Iain Phillips of Mentzendorff presenting wines from their extensive portfolio, from Portugal.

More information is available here:
Web: mentzendorff.co.uk

Note that Members are contacted by a member of the Committee each month to commit to attendance at the tasting. Unfortunately, it is not possible for members or guests to simply turn up on the night owing to space limitations and the need to arrange catering in advance.